Downey schools recognized for positive school culture

Photo courtesy Downey Unified School District

DOWNEY – Downey Unified School District announced that all 20 of its schools have been recognized by California PBIS (CA PBIS) for successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a research-based framework that strengthens school climate and supports student behavior, mental health, equity, and academic achievement.

Recognition breakdown: 4 Platinum, 2 Gold, 13 Silver, and 1 Bronze.

“This recognition across every campus demonstrates our districtwide commitment to safe, inclusive, and supportive schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Roger Brossmer. “I’m grateful to our School Culture Teams and to every staff member whose consistent work, teaching expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and analyzing data—has delivered real results for students.”

PBIS serves as the backbone of Downey Unified’s school culture efforts. Over the past two years, School Culture Teams have:

  • Established behavior matrices aligned to campus values;

  • Provided explicit instruction of expectations for students and staff;

  • Implemented positive reinforcement systems that build belonging;

  • Used the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) to measure implementation and set improvement goals; and

  • Strengthened the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports to ensure students receive behavioral, social-emotional, and academic supports at every level.

“PBIS is not just about behavior, it’s about building the conditions for learning,” shared Dr. Robert Jagielski, Senior Director who oversees PBIS efforts in Downey Unified. “Calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and more instructional time mean better outcomes for our students. We’re proud of this districtwide accomplishment.”

Downey Unified thanks its administrators, teachers, counselors, clinical school therapists, school psychologists, campus support teams, support staff, students, and families for their partnership in creating safe, respectful, and nurturing schools.

NewsStaff Report